A massive sense of pain centered in his chest, instantly radiating throughout his body. Kim felt as though he was about to explode, in that moment, life seemed unbearable.
As Leo released his grip, Kim sprang to his feet, then collapsed to the ground with a thud, clutching his chest and coughing violently.
Tears streamed down his face, which had turned crimson, veins bulging on his forehead, eyes protruding, feeling as though his heart, liver, and lungs would be coughed out.
Under the intense stimulation of acidic and alkaline substances, Kim felt as though his entire lung cavity and trachea were being torn apart.
“How does it feel, old buddy? Enjoying yourself? Now you know what it’s like to feel on the brink of death and ecstasy, right?” Leo chuckled, looking at him with a smirk. “Hurry up, kowtow and apologize, or I’ll make you enjoy it even more.”
Kim had no strength to respond at this point, coughing and retching, feeling as though he’d been tormented to the brink of death.
“Aren’t you going to speak?” Leo furrowed his brow, reaching out as if to grab his head again. Kim quickly waved him off, hoarsely squeezing out two words, “Apol… apologize…”
After coughing for a few more minutes, Kim finally felt a bit better.
“Hurry up, our time is precious,” Leo urged impatiently.
“Not kneeling, is that not an option?” Kim looked at Leo with fear.
This person seemed genteel, but his actions were so ruthless. What has become of this society and human nature?
“That works too, but then you have to drink all the water from the toilet bowl,” Leo said with a smirk.
Kim shuddered immediately, half-sitting and half-kneeling as he shuffled towards Rosemary, lowering his head in a pretense, enduring the foul taste and pain as he muttered, “I’m sorry, ma’am.”
“Aren’t you going to kowtow? Here, let me help you,” Leo said, moving to intervene.
Startled, Kim hastily knelt properly, thudding his head on the ground three times. “Ma’am! I was wrong!”
Rosemary cast him a disdainful glance, coldly snorting. In her eyes, all men in the world were worthless, except for Leo.
However, when she looked at Leo, her frosty demeanor melted instantaneously, a glint of admiration flickering in her eyes.
The entire process of Leo punishing Kim just now was so manly. Only in Leo’s presence did she feel like a woman who needed protection.
“Alright, get lost!” Rosemary said coldly.
Kim felt as though he had received a reprieve and quickly got up and ran off.
“Don’t stay here, find another place. Or better yet, go to your grandfather’s place for now,” Leo suggested.
Rosemary obediently nodded, then called Nick and instructed him to come immediately with people to help her move.
Even if Leo hadn’t suggested it, she would have moved immediately. Today’s events had truly frightened her. The consequences would have been unbearable if Leo hadn’t been there.
After Nick and his team arrived, Rosemary, accompanied by Leo, headed to the New Century Cinema.
The atmosphere at the New Century Cinema was exceptionally lively, with many film crews shooting various scenes.
It was Leo’s first time in such a place, and he looked around with great curiosity, surprised to find several stars he recognized.
“The lead actress in our advertisement is also a big star, her name is Elettra. She played the supporting role in the recent hit TV series ‘The Mermaid Princess,'” Rosemary told Leo.
“Just hearing the name of that TV series tells me it’s a melodramatic romance,” Leo chuckled.
“Don’t be so quick to judge, it’s actually quite good. I put a lot of effort into getting Elettra for us. Her style suits our product, and the final result will be great,” Rosemary said excitedly.
After leading Leo into the studio, they found that a group of staff had already arrived. The backdrop, lighting, tracks, and cameras were all set up.
A man wearing a duckbill cap and a khaki vest, surrounded by two lighting technicians, was discussing something. Judging by the vest filled with pockets, Leo knew he was the director.
Leo found it interesting how the directors seemed to dress similarly, all favoring these khaki vests filled with pockets.
“Oh, hello, Boss Fanny,” the director greeted Rosemary politely as soon as he saw her.
“Rafferty, let me introduce you. This is our company’s big boss, Leo,” Rosemary introduced Leo to Rafferty.
Rafferty’s expression changed slightly, surprised that someone who looked so young was already such a big boss.
“Mr. Bloomer, a pleasureto meet you,” Rafferty quickly shook hands with Leo.
“Hasn’t Elettra arrived yet?” Rosemary checked the time, feeling puzzled.
“She should be on her way, probably delayed by the traffic in Langstel. You know how it is,” Rafferty said with a smile.
“Boss Fanny, please have a seat for a moment!” Rafferty’s assistant quickly brought over two chairs and handed Leo and Rosemary a cup of hot coffee each.
After more than ten minutes passed, Rafferty became somewhat impatient and quickly called Elettra’s agent.
“Boss Fanny, Mr. Bloomer, Elettra’s agent says they are on their way. Let’s wait a little longer,” Rafferty said apologetically.
“Alright,” Rosemary nodded.
“Here, take a look at the script first,” Rafferty quickly brought the script over to Rosemary and Leo and began discussing it with them.
In the blink of an eye, over half an hour had passed, and the coffee in Leo and Rosemary’s hands had turned cold.
Rosemary, feeling displeased, said, “It’s been such a long time. Even with traffic, they should have arrived by now.”
“Don’t worry, let me make a call,” Rafferty hurriedly apologized to Rosemary.
He felt it was hard to justify the situation. It had been over an hour since the agreed time, and Elettra still hadn’t shown up.
Rafferty stepped aside and called Elettra’s agent once again.
“Boss Fanny, Mr. Bloomer, let’s wait a little longer. Elettra has been feeling unwell recently, so she’s a bit delayed. Please bear with us,” Rafferty apologized with a forced smile, sweat beading on his forehead.
Rosemary was becoming impatient, suppressing her anger, she asked, “Has Elettra’s side given a specific time?”
“Not exactly, but they said as soon as possible. They should be on their way,” Rafferty said with a troubled expression. “Boss Fanny, please understand. I’m just a small director caught in the middle. Elettra has strong backing from Darren, I dare not say much.”
Understanding Rafferty’s dilemma, Rosemary nodded and said nothing more.